HMS Queen Elizabeth begins rotary trials

According to the Royal Navy, a Merlin helicopter from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose has been training aboard the aircraft carrier at Portsmouth Naval Base. The anti-submarine helicopter of 820 Naval Air Squadron has been putting flight deck crews through a series of aviation procedures and drills that are part of the aircraft carrier’s trial period.

Over the two day period, the Merlin helicopter was used to verify many of the hangar and flight deck facilities by connecting up to the ship’s onboard electrical supply cables and refuelling hoses. The helicopter was also used to test the Telebrief system which will enable flying control to communicate with each aircraft while on deck.

Lt Cdr Jim Cobbett, Lt Cdr Flying onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, said: ‘The squadron was the first rotary unit to embark with us up in Scotland when we came out of build. These sea acceptance trials have proved the ship’s aircraft services are ready for action with a live helicopter and that everything functions correctly.’

HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail from her home port for rotary wing trial at sea in the coming weeks, where the ship will undergo deck trials with navy Merlin helicopters.